VRI Potatoes (2017)

A section center pivot near Chin, AB, has been instrumented with Trimble Irrigate IQ technology, which allows control over each nozzle on the pivot. The field is subdivided in four quarter sections, one of which is always in potatoes. In this project we evaluate the performance of the technology and most importantly, the effect of precision irrigation on the field water balance and crop performance. We instrumented the field with soil moisture sensors based on maps of topography & soil EC, and point soil samples. The producers increased the complexity of the irrigation rate prescription map throughout the season based on information from these sensors and field scouting. After the growing season, hydrological modeling will be performed to provide possible driving mechanisms for some of the in-season observations and to improve irrigation mapping for future years. Partners in this project are GrowTEC, Sunrise Ag, and the Potato Growers of Alberta.